Marine Survey Services in Texas & Oklahoma

The pre-purchase survey is the most comprehensive inspection we  perform, and the single best investment you can make before buying a  boat. It tells you the vessel's true condition and its fair market value  — before the money changes hands. Plan on roughly three to six hours  aboard for a typical 30–45 ft vessel, including systems testing and a  sea trial.

• Hull and structure, including moisture readings and (where hauled) running gear and underwater hardware
• Propulsion machinery, fuel, steering, and drive systems
• AC/DC electrical systems and wiring
• Plumbing, through-hulls, and bilge systems
• Safety equipment and federal/state compliance
• Deck hardware, canvas, and cosmetic condition

A full survey combines the in-water inspection, an  out-of-water (haul-out) inspection, and a sea trial. You receive a  detailed 15–25 page PDF report with photos, every finding and  recommendation ranked by severity — so you can tell deal-breakers from  negotiating points — and a fair-market-value appraisal your lender and  insurer can use.

A Pre-purchase survey does not include: compression testing of machinery; oil analysis; internal inspection or  pressure testing of tanks; destructive analysis of hull and deck  structures; or invasive inspection of hidden spaces or inaccessible  areas.  Hardware and fastenings are not removed for evaluation.   Navigation instruments are not tested for accuracy.   Limitations of  inspection sometimes include an inability to test equipment and systems  that have been decommissioned for winter storage.  

It  is always the option of the buyer to have the engines and AC generator  further evaluated by a mechanic that is factory certified for that  specific equipment.  It is somewhat common and strongly recommended that  vessels such as motor yachts, sportfish, and trawlers with large diesel  engines have a separate mechanical survey due to the potential high  cost of repair of hidden engine problems.

Insurance companies routinely require a current survey to write a new  policy or renew coverage on an older vessel. An insurance survey (also  called a Condition & Value survey) focuses on structural integrity,  safety systems, and compliance — the things an underwriter cares about.

Most insurance surveys take between two and four hours  aboard, and the finished report is formatted to meet underwriter  requirements so it's accepted the first time.

Marine surveyors are often called upon to undertake damage surveys and  to report on the damage claimed under a hull & machinery policy.  Typically the surveyor is hired by the insurance company to investigate claims made  by their insureds or by claimants.  Sometimes a surveyor is hired by a  boat owner to investigate unusual deterioration or damage, especially on  newer boats. The purpose of a Marine Damage Survey is to assess the extent of the  damage sustained by the hull, rig, systems, or elsewhere on the vessel.  The report presents information on the probable causes of the damage,  recommendations on repairs, and estimates the costs for such work.  

 A damage survey report typically includes: 

• Reported circumstances of the damage
• Statements from owners, operators and witnesses
• Identification and description of the vessel and its condition
• Description of damages 
• Opinion as to the cause of loss
• Review of repair estimates for reasonableness
• If no estimates, Preparation of a Damage Appraisal 
• Pre-Loss and Post-Loss valuation of the vessel

A documented fair-market-value appraisal is often required for boat  financing and refinancing, estate settlements, charitable donations,  divorce proceedings, and legal disputes. Appraisals draw on current  market data and the vessel's actual condition — not just asking prices —  to produce a defensible number.